Safety concerns halted festival site change, Premier says
The planned relocation of the BVI’s landmark 70th-anniversary emancipation festival was cancelled due to safety concerns, as revealed by Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley during a recent press conference.
Dr Wheatley highlighted issues regarding wind conditions at the new site, initially considered an upgrade over the traditional location.
The Premier previously noted a positive response from the community following the Music Fest event held at the proposed new site, which spurred the government to consider the move seriously.
The new site, which was also selected for its spacious layout and better facilities, was later found to pose risks due to its exposure to high winds, raising alarms about the safety of temporary structures and large gatherings.
“Safety is number one. We don’t want to do anything to interfere with safety,” Dr Wheatley stated. He noted that while the site was cooler and offered several benefits, “the high winds presented a risk.”
Meanwhile, Dr Wheatley emphasised the festival’s broader impact and spoke about its role in boosting local businesses and the tourism sector.
“The festival plays a significant role in the economic landscape of the Virgin Islands. It attracts visitors from near and far, boosting our tourism sector and providing a substantial economic uplift.”
Looking forward, Dr Wheatley indicated a willingness to revisit the idea of relocating the festival, provided that adequate safety measures are implemented. He also acknowledged the need for continuous improvement and adaptation to ensure both the safety and enjoyment of all participants.
The festival, described by Dr Wheatley as “a vibrant celebration of our freedoms and the rich cultural heritage that defines us as Virgin Islanders,” remains a cornerstone of BVI’s cultural calendar. It serves as a time for reflection on the past and a celebration of the strides made towards a self-determined future.
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THE SAME WINDS WILL BE THERE NEXT YEAR
da d best BS excuse dem come up wid
Question, if you knew from last year about celebrating the 70th, why weren’t “Entertainment Tourism” {the term tossed around} wasn’t used to raise funds leading up to August festivities? Other islands take advantage of an entire year to promote and advertise and entice visitors and offset costs but creating meaningful events promoting local performers. when will we get it right….when the kitty runs dry???
Given that the Trade winds are pretty much a fixture, it’s utterly absurd that the effect of high winds were not considered at the outset. Illustrates the 5 Ps: proper planning prevents poor performance (as werllad wasted time and money)
It was out of concern the short timeframe would pose to booth owners who would have to construct their temporary structures to a slightly higher standard. Therefore, the site may be revisited next year with the relevant persons having more time to put things in place.
When are we going to be given the dollar account for his music fest??
My guess is never.
why dont yall bill up permanent buildings and stage exclusively for festival like other places.
I always found the wooden buildings, dirt everywhere and muddy ground after light rains to be ghetto
and distasteful but the events its self is mostly distasteful other than culture nights with reggae, fungi and conscience music
So you didn’t think it through when you spent all that money on your buddies contracts for clearing the land then. At least you got the money where you wanted it so all good.
Dem 2 u**y girls say they don’t want the festival so close to their hotel. Go figure.
Seems like an excuse after the poor planning for the unsuccessful music fest. Well at least the driver education companies are using this ‘unsafe’ landfill!
This sound like nonsense. Just say you cant keep noise all night right next to the hotel and that you waste the public money.
doesnt take too much to erect temporary wind deflectors
Please don’t put anymore bad ideas in this man’s head, abeg.
Natalio you know from the ger go that the venue you wanted was not effecient. You are such a f**l.
Was the relocation decision a seat of the pants, a ready, fire, aim , etc decision? Was not an in depth decision conducted before deciding on the relocation decision ? Whose decision was it to construct/locate the Ralph T. Oneal Admin Building on the water’s edge? Wickhams Cay is a jumbled mess of a non aesthetically, architecturally embarrassing layout. Why is a modern public library project not a top priority? Is a library not important for proper storing of cultural assets? With the telecommunications improvements why are so many government services still centralize in Road Town?
BP, The Frig…..here. You are a useful frig, asking a littany of provocative, leading questions ( some may say lagging). Ready, fire, aim. Priceless!!! The Frig… out.